Blog

April 29, 2019

It’s only a few months until the grammar school tests and the independent school exams begin. Many parents have already gone into panic mode, but there really is no need to panic. Especially where the 11 Plus writing task is concerned.

July 24, 2017

Is your child preparing for the 11 Plus exams for a grammar or independent school place? If so, you’ll probably be wondering what the best books for 11 Plus preparation to buy in order to help your child get the results – and fast!

Gone are the days when there were just one or two 11 Plus book publishers in your local WH Smiths or Waterstones to choose from. The 11 Plus is a big area of interest to just about every academic publisher that provides book for primary school aged children; and so the books and packs that are available can be overwhelming f the 11 Plus is new to you. Throw in verbal and non verbal reasoning (two topics that are not part of the National Curriculum) and it can be quite a daunting prospect.

In the following video, 11 Plus tutor (and founder of Geek School Tutoring) Joycellyn Akuffo looks at two of the most popular 11 Plus preparation book publishers (what many consider to be the best books for 11 Plus preparation): the age old Bond books; and the CGP books to help to demystify what each book can achieve and when your child should be using them. Which one is the best for 11 plus preparation? What are the differences between them? Both of these questions and more are answered in the video.

At Geek School, we pride ourselves in being the 11 Plus experts. Having helped numerous children successfully pass their grammar and independent school tests, our formula for success is tried and tested – and it works every time.

Many of our students have made gained offers and scholarships for top private schools, including Dulwich College, Trinity, Whitgift, Eltham College, St Dunstan’s, Colfe’s, Sydenham Girls, Old Palace Christ Hospital and more!

If you found this video helpful, and you’d like to book 11 plus tuition for your child in preparation for the 11 Plus, get in touch today. Call Joycellyn on 07957397602 to discuss your child’s needs.

September 2, 2016

The 11 Plus Exam can be a stress-filled process for both children and their parents.
However, as it is the gateway to many prominent grammar schools across England and Northern Ireland, many have to suck it up and try to get through it with as little issues as possible. Here are a few quick tips to keep you and your child grounded throughout.

To 11 Plus or not to 11 Plus

One of the first things to consider is if grammar school is the right choice for your child. In the event that they seem academically capable to take on the at times dreaded 11 Plus exam, and you feel they will flourish at the grammar school level, then this could be a good move. On the other hand, for children who are a bit slower to catch up academically, and may need more prompting to keep those high marks, give them some more time to find their academic stride, instead of pushing this kind of exam on them.

Be prepared

If you decide to go ahead with the exam, make sure your child is properly prepared. You wouldn’t send a soldier into battle unarmed, and in this case, the 11 Plus is that battle. They may need extra lessons for at least fifteen months before the exam, where various 11 Plus topics and questions are covered. If their current school does not provide them, try to source tutors, or group tuition options close to their school or neighbourhood where possible. Lessons are usually after school and you don’t want your child having to travel long distances after an already trying school day, before being able to get back home and rest.

Don’t freak out!

Try not to go “exam batty” in the months leading up to it. If you stress out, so will your kids. They need you to be the supportive figure that nurtures their learning, while being calm and centred when they are feeling overwhelmed. This is the same for the days just before the exam. While your children may not be able to forget about it, it will help if you encourage them to relax and enjoy activities that don’t require them to think too hard. This will allow them to be rested and ready for the big day. As for you the parent, if you find yourself freaking out a bit remember that you’ve done your best for your child and because of it, they will try their best too. That’s all you can do, so don’t worry. Just breathe.

Rewards?

While it’s nice to offer to buy a new game, or some other reward that your child will love after the exam’s over, make sure you’re offering it for the right reasons. The 11 Plus is many children’s first view of intense academic examination procedures, and you don’t want them thinking that the only way you’ll be proud is if they do well. If you choose to reward them, let it be for being confident enough to take the exam in the first place.

September 3, 2014

Are you hoping for your child to get into a grammar school, following the Kent or Bexley grammar school exams (also known as selection tests)? There’s nothing worse than seeing a child who has a lot of potential become a nervous wreck because they haven’t been given enough time to comfortably prepare for exams. Read More

Private tuition at its best! Geek School Tutoring specialises in 11 Plus tuition and in English and maths at all levels (from Key Stage 1 to GCSE).